Rising Police Suicides and Nigeria’s Mental Health Crisis

This article discusses the alarming rise in police suicides in Nigeria, highlighting several tragic incidents that reflect deeper systemic issues related to mental health. It emphasizes the need for immediate reforms, including decriminalizing suicide attempts, enhancing mental health support, and establishing a comprehensive national suicide registry. The importance of addressing these issues is critical not only for the welfare of police officers but also for the safety of the communities they serve.

In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed a sharp increase in police officer suicides, a trend alarming in its reach across ranks and regions. Confirmed cases, such as the tragic suicide of Inspector Ajele Oloyede in March 2025 during a special duty assignment, exemplify the crisis. After a brief interaction with a colleague, he was found dead shortly after a gunshot was heard. A full investigation has been initiated into the circumstances surrounding this incident as mental health factors are considered.

The trend of police suicides continued with Assistant Superintendent Shafiu Bawah taking his life in Niger State in early February 2025. The police reported that investigations are ongoing regarding the motivations behind his suicide, which remains unclear. Four days prior, another officer, Constable Dogara Akolo-Moses, also died by suicide in Nasarawa, with the reasons yet to be ascertained.

Another troubling case involved a retired officer who, following a violent incident linked to a land dispute, killed three people in Lagos before taking his own life. The police confirmed that after the assaults, the ex-officer succumbed to poison in an apparent act of desperation. These incidents highlight the urgent need for mental health support within law enforcement.

The suicide of Deputy Commissioner Gbolahan Oyedemi in 2024 significantly impacted the Nigerian security community. Known for his longstanding service, he was found hanging in his residence, with indications that personal distress may have prompted the act. The historical context shows that police suicides are not recent, as evidenced by Inspector Okon Essien’s suicide in 2020 while in detention, indicating systemic issues.

Evidence indicates that untreated mental illness is a critical factor behind the rising suicide rates among police officers. A 2022 study noted that Nigerian officers suffer from higher rates of mental health issues compared to the general population due to constant exposure to violence.

The prevailing conditions under which Nigerian officers operate are dire. Reports highlight that inadequate living conditions, low salaries, and lack of psychological support prevent officers from effectively managing stress. It has been suggested that the cumulative stressors faced by police personnel lead to deteriorating mental health.

Nigeria’s criminal code, which criminalizes attempted suicide, creates a significant barrier to help-seeking behavior among officers. Mental health professionals argue that this law fosters stigma and pushes officers into silence regarding their struggles. A recent study found that many officers experience anxiety or depression, yet few seek help, primarily due to this stigma.

Other nations, such as the United States and the United Kingdom, have established effective mental wellness programs for law enforcement, highlighting Nigeria’s lack of such frameworks. In light of this, a 2021 initiative was launched aimed at psychological evaluations for officers, but its implementation remains inconsistent.

There is an urgent need for police reform in Nigeria, particularly regarding mental health support and welfare. Experts advocate for the decriminalization of suicide attempts, the establishment of dedicated mental health units within police departments, and routine psychological evaluations to address the mental health crisis effectively.

Lastly, the creation of a National Police Suicide Registry is recommended to gather data and guide interventions. Ensuring police officers receive adequate attention and support in their mental health is essential, as neglecting this issue poses significant risks to both officers and the communities they serve.

The implications of police suicides are far-reaching, affecting families and communities. As expressed by several experts, instant reform is necessary to better equip officers for challenges, lest the cycle of neglect continue and compromise public safety further.

The surge in police suicides in Nigeria underscores the dire need for mental health reform within the law enforcement community. Factors such as untreated mental illness, poor living conditions, and social stigma surrounding mental health contribute to this crisis. Comprehensive measures, including the decriminalization of suicide, mental health support systems, and frequent psychological evaluations, are essential for addressing the underlying causes of officer suicides. Failure to do so not only jeopardizes the well-being of officers but ultimately imperils public safety.

Original Source: punchng.com